AUS vs SA | Tim David's explosive knock and Aussie bowlers' nerves of steel ensure 1-0 lead for hosts

08/10/2025

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Australia beat South Africa in the first T20I at Marrara Oval to take the lead in the three match T20I series. While Tim David set the platform with an explosive knock to rescue the team from a tough spot, Ryan Rickelton’s battling knock went in vain as the Aussies managed to hold their nerves.

‌South Africa won the toss and chose to field first at the Marrara Oval in Darwin. Australia managed to score some quick runs in the power play but also lost a heap of wickets in the process, with the score reading 71/4 after the first six overs. The situation went from bad to worse for the hosts as they lost a couple of more wickets in quick succession, with Kwena Maphaka sending Mitchell Owen’s stumps flying and Senuran Muthusamy getting the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell courtesy of a brilliant catch by George Linde at deep cover. Tim David thus stood as the only set batter at the crease while the Aussies' struggles continued through to the end of 10 overs at 88/6. Despite the disappointing first half, David rescued the hosts from a tough position and formed a crucial 50-run stand with Ben Dwarshuis. Though the partnership was finally broken by Maphaka in the 15th over, David continued to score runs in the middle. The big-hitter did have a bit of a scare in the 16th over, but Tristan Stubbs' drop allowed him to continue his onslaught with two massive sixes off the next two deliveries. David continued to attack the bowlers until the 19th over, where he was finally dismissed by Maphaka for a well-made 83 off 52 deliveries. The young quick followed it with the wicket of Adam Zampa to finish with his best figures in T20Is. In the end, the Aussies managed to get to a total of 178.

The South African innings started with three magical boundaries by skipper Aiden Markram, but the South African skipper was dismissed on the last delivery as he gave a catch to Cameron Green in the cover region. The visitors struggled to get going in the power play, as Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis were also dismissed, and were in a tricky position at 48/3 after the first six overs. Despite the disappointing start, Ryan Rickelton and Stubbs made a bit of a recovery and though the runs were coming steady but slow, the Proteas still gave themselves a chance at the halfway stage with the score 78/3. When the duo eventually did look to get a move on, the Aussies only furthered their grip on the game as Hazlewood broke the 72-run stand in the 15th over with Stubbs' wicket for 37. The right arm pacer did not stop there as George Linde followed suit with his stumps uprooted. The game was in a tight spot with the South Africans needing 59 off the last 30 balls, Rickelton being the only set batter at the crease. The situation went from bad to worse as Adam Zampa scalped two consecutive wickets in his final over, ensuring the African nation's struggles continued. Though Rickelton tried to get the team close to the target, he was eventually dismissed in the last over due to an incredible catch by Glenn Maxwell on the boundary. That seemed to be the final nail in the coffin as Australia won the game by 17 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Madness

Ennada south africa Australia jersey potrukan

Australia south africa jersey potrukan

Wat is this madness
— Arivazhagan (@ariv22)

Does it again!

GLENN MAXWELL DOES IT AGAIN 🤩
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)

The best

Best crowd catch of all time at the T20 (Australia vs South Africa)

Bloke has just absolutely nailed this
— Ben Henry (@BenryintheBooth)

Lead

AUSTRALIA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA IN FIRST T20I MATCH & TAKEN 1-0 LEAD..!!!!!

- Josh Hazelwood & Tim David are the stars of the win.
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh)

Yup

Now the Australian jersey is green and the South African jersey is yellow.
— A S L A M (@Aslam91441140)

Mad Max

Glenn Maxwell of Australia juggles the ball and takes the catch to dismiss Ryan Rickelton of South Africa.
— Robert Cianflone (@Sportsnapper71)

Sealed

Australia seal a 17-run win over South Africa! 💥
— Haris Mahmood (@HarisMa73708878)

Good one

Australia won the first match of the series against South Africa by 17 runs..
— Professor (@Off_Spinnerr)

Strong side

Australia looking strong before the next T20 WC after beating South Africa in first t20 match by 17 runs .9th consecutive win in t20s .
— Mussawar zaman (@MussawarZaman)

Hazlegod